Treatment of PROM in pregnancy

PROM means the membranes around the baby break before labour begins. It can happen near term or earlier in pregnancy. A leak of clear or pale fluid may be continuous or intermittent, and it can be mistaken for urine or discharge. Examination and fluid testing help the maternity team decide whether the membranes have ruptured.

The care plan is shaped by pregnancy stage, temperature, fetal heart monitoring, contractions, bleeding, fluid appearance, and signs of infection. Some people are monitored while waiting for labour; others are advised to plan birth when that is safer for mother or baby.

Call your maternity service promptly and describe when the leak started, how much fluid there is, and its colour or smell. Wear a pad so the fluid can be observed, and avoid tampons or vaginal intercourse until assessed. Follow instructions about examinations and activity.

If early birth is possible, an antenatal steroid injection may be offered to help prepare the baby’s lungs. If labour does not begin or birth needs to be initiated, the team may discuss induction of labour. Ask how fetal movement should be monitored and where to go outside clinic hours.

Go for urgent assessment if you develop fever, chills, abdominal tenderness, foul-smelling or green fluid, bleeding, regular contractions, reduced fetal movement, or a sudden feeling of illness. These findings need prompt review even if the leaking has slowed.

Ask how PROM was confirmed, how long monitoring may continue, which changes should bring you back immediately, and what would make induction or another birth plan advisable.